Grooveshark is a new web service that offers free streaming of a huge catalogue of music – indeed, its tagline is Play any song in the world, free!

And unlike so many streaming music services, Grooveshark actually works. When I say ‘works’, I don’t mean “functions well sometimes”.

This web service has succeeded in holding all the cards: it has a large collection of music, both well-known and cult, there are no subscription fees, and it’s simple for the user.

Whereas similar ideas such as Last.fm have become commercial, more an obtrusive facsimile of the iTunes Store, Grooveshark remains, at least for now, true to what it is meant for: streaming whole songs with as little effort as possible.

A skilled team has brought music, simplicity and true genius together in Grooveshark. The process of streaming could not be easier: you simply browse to the site, enter a term in the prominent search bar which takes centre-stage, and press play. Albums or individual songs can be listened to; some albums have limited content, but some well-known ‘records’ are represented accurately. 

Usability is a key aspect of the site, a factor which is too often ignored. It’s so easy to use that the older generation of internet users could be crooning to the likes of David Bowie or Gary Numan by now – the music of whom is readily available.